What does Revelation 19:7 mean?

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. Revelation 19:7

Explanation

Revelation 19:7 speaks of a significant eschatological event within Christian theology known as “the marriage of the Lamb.” In Christian interpretation, the Lamb is commonly understood to be Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the Lamb of God. This imagery stems from the sacrificial lambs in Judaism, where a lamb without blemish would be offered as a sacrifice for the atonement of sin. Jesus is seen as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

The phrase “his wife hath made herself ready” symbolically represents the church, or the collective body of believers, who are often depicted as the bride of Christ in the New Testament. The preparation of the bride in this context means that the church has been purified and made holy, ready to be united with Christ.

The mention of being glad, rejoicing, and giving honor to him reflects the celebratory mood and the significance of the event within the Christian eschatological framework. It encapsulates the joy and triumph associated with the final victory over evil and the establishment of God’s kingdom.

Historical Context

Revelation is the final book of the New Testament, traditionally attributed to John the Apostle, although the specific authorship remains debated among scholars. It’s believed to have been written in the late first century AD, during a time of persecution for many Christians under the Roman Empire. The language and imagery used in Revelation are heavily apocalyptic, with symbolism and visions depicting the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the end of the world as known.

The metaphor of marriage fits within the Jewish prophetic tradition where the relationship between God and Israel is sometimes expressed as a marriage covenant. In this New Testament context, it’s extended to encompass the universal church in relationship with Christ.

Theological Insights

The theological implications of Revelation 19:7 are rich and variegated across different Christian traditions. Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox Christians may have slightly differing eschatologies but generally agree on the fundamental concept that the church, as the bride, is preparing for an eternal union with Christ, the Lamb.

This verse, in particular, emphasizes the hope and joy of the promised future for believers after a period of tribulation and conflict symbolized in previous chapters of Revelation. Consequently, the “marriage of the Lamb” is seen as the culmination of a redemptive history, where the faithful are finally united with their redeemer.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, Revelation 19:7 can inspire believers to live a life of holiness, steadfastness, and anticipation for the coming kingdom of God. It encourages the faithful to prepare themselves spiritually, to be pure and righteous in their conduct, reflecting the character of their belief in preparation for the final union with Christ.

This verse can also foster a sense of joy and hope, reminding Christians that despite current hardships or suffering, there is a promised future celebration and eternal life with God.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;…”
• Revelation 21:2: “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
• Matthew 22:2: “The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,”
• Revelation 21:9: “Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
• 2 Corinthians 11:2: “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the key term is “γαμος” (gamos), meaning “marriage” or “wedding,” and “ἀρνίου” (arniou), meaning “lamb,” denoting an innocent or pure lamb, and in this context, referring to Jesus Christ. The phrase “ἡτοίμασεν ἑαυτήν” (hetoimasen heautēn) translates as “she has made herself ready,” which indicates a self-initiated action of preparation by the church for this spiritual union.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The motif of divine marriage is not unique to Christianity. Parallels can be found in various religious traditions and myths where a deity marries a mortal or another deity. For instance, in ancient Greek mythology, the marriage of Zeus and Hera was celebrated with grandeur. In Hinduism, the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Parvati is an event of great significance. However, in Christianity, the concept is more abstract and spiritual rather than literal, symbolizing the intimate and covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific studies typically do not intersect directly with theological beliefs concerning eschatological events such as the marriage of the Lamb since these are matters of faith beyond empirical investigation. However, the psychological impact of such beliefs on individuals and communities, including the effects on morality, social cohesion, and personal well-being, can be an area of interest in social science research.

Commentaries

Most biblical commentators agree on the symbolic nature of Revelation 19:7, seeing the marriage of the Lamb as a metaphor for the union of Christ and the Church. Matthew Henry’s commentary suggests that this verse denotes the joy of the saints after their deliverance from persecution. Similarly, the Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary emphasizes the readiness of the church to partake in the holy communion with Christ. Contemporary scholars continue to explore the rich symbolism of Revelation and its application to eschatological views and Christian life.